Wisconsin has designated many of the state's highest quality waters as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORWs) or Exceptional Resource Waters (ERWs). Waters designated as ORW or ERW are surface waters which provide outstanding recreational opportunities, support valuable fisheries and wildlife habitat, have good water quality, and are not significantly impacted by human activities. ORW and ERW status identifies waters that the State of Wisconsin has determined warrant additional protection from the effects of pollution. These designations are intended to meet federal Clean Water Act obligations requiring Wisconsin to adopt an 'antidegradation' policy that is designed to prevent any lowering of water quality - especially in those waters having significant ecological or cultural value.

Fish and Aquatic Life

The use the water currently supports. This is not a designation or classification; it is based on the current condition of the water. Information in this column is not designed for, and should not be used for, regulatory purposes.

The use that the investigator believes the water could achieve through managing "controllable" sources. Beaver dams, hydroelectric dams, low gradient streams, and naturally occurring low flows are generally not considered controllable. The attainable use may be the same as the current use or it may be higher.

This is the water classification legally recognized by NR102 and NR104, Wis. Adm. Code. The classification determines water quality criteria and effluent limits. Waters obtain designated uses through classification procedures.

Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.

Overview

Bacterial pollution in coastal waters is caused by a combination of point and nonpoint sources of pollution. Although point sources of bacterial contamination (e.g., industry, wastewater treatment facilities) are significant, nonpoint source pollution poses a much greater threat to the integrity of recreational water bodies because it comprises a diverse mixture of chemical and biological contaminants and is discharged from countless undefined sites within a given watershed. Pollutants accumulate in storm water as it is washed off impervious surfaces and discharged into local waterways. With increasing urbanization of the nation’s coastal areas, pollution of waterways by storm water is a growing concern. In a report to Congress, the EPA states that nonpoint sources of pollution are the greatest threat to the nation's water quality.9 Examples of point and nonpoint sources of pollution include these:

General Condition

Lake Michigan Bayshore Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Amanda Smith

General Condition

Lake Michigan Long Tail Point Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Amanda Smith

General Condition

Lake Michigan Van Ess Road Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Amanda Smith

General Condition

Lake Michigan Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Amanda Smith

General Condition

Lake Michigan KK Road Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Amanda Smith

General Condition

Lake Michigan Communiversity Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Amanda Smith

General Condition

Lake Michigan Southport Park Beach was placed on the impaired waters list for E. coli in 2008. This beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired. This beach was proposed for delisting in 2018.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Kohler Andrae Beach was placed on the impaired waters list for E. coli related recreational restrictions in 2006. This beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired. It was proposed for delisting in 2018.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Blue Harbor Beach was placed on the impaired waters list for E. coli recreational restrictions in 2016. This beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired. It was proposed for delisting in 2018.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Memorial Drive Wayside Beach was placed on the impaired waters list for E. coli recreational restrictions in 1998. This beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired. It was proposed for delisting in 2018.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Anclam Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Amsterdam Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Alford Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Upper Lake Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Harrington State Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan General King Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Deland Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan County Road D Boat Launch Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Bender Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Atwater Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Crescent Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Point Beach State Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Tietjen Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Mckinley Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Bradford Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Neshota Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Zoo Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan North Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Harrington State Park Beach North was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Wind Point Lighthouse Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Concordia University Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Klode Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Whitefish Dunes State Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Whitefish Bay Boat Launch Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Sister Bay Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan School House Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Sandy Bay Town Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Sturgeon Bay Canal Recreation Area Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Sand Dune Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Sand Bay Beach 1 was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Rock Island State Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Portage Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Nicolet Bay at Penninsula State Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Newport Bay at Newport State Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Lily Bay Boat Launch Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Lakeside Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Jackson Harbor Ridges Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Murphy Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Haines Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Gislason Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Fish Creek Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Ephraim Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Europe Bay Beaches 1, 2, and 3 were assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. These beaches were meeting this designated use and were not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Egg Harbor Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Clay Banks Beach 2 was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach were meeting this designated use and were not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Baileys Harbor Ridges Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Ellison Bay Town Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Cedar Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan Bayview Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting this designated use and was not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan - Parkway (Racine Beach) 52-004 was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting its designated use and not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan - Lakeshore Drive Beach - Kenosha 30-003 was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting its designated use and not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

General Condition

Lake Michigan - Maritime Dr Boat Launch/Beach 36-004 was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was meeting its designated use and not considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Lake Michigan City of Kewaunee Beach (Selner Park) Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. However, based on biologist comments this water was not meeting its designated uses and was considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Amanda Smith

Impaired Waters

Lake Michigan Warm Water Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was not impaired, but not delisted because there was no new data; therefore, this beach remained listed in 2016 for the number of beach closures.

Date 2017

Author Amanda Smith

Impaired Waters

Lake Michigan Simmons Island Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. However, based on biologist comments, this beach was not meeting this designated use and was considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Amanda Smith

Impaired Waters

Lake Michigan Shoop Park Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data exceeded the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was not meeting this designated use and was considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Amanda Smith

Impaired Waters

Lake Michigan Hika Park Bay Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data exceeded the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. This beach was not meeting this designated use and was considered impaired. No listing change was needed to the existing impaired waters listing.

Date 2017

Author Amanda Smith

Impaired Waters

Lake Michigan Eichelman Beach was assessed for the 2018 listing cycle; E. coli data sample data were clearly below the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. However based on biologist comments, this beach was still not meeting this designated use and was considered impaired.

Date 2017

Author Amanda Smith

Impaired Waters

Lake Michigan Pennoyer Park Beach was placed on the impaired waters list for Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli in 2006. The 2018 assessments showed continued Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli; new E. coli sample data clearly exceeded the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. Based on the most updated information, no change in the existing impaired waters listing was needed.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Lake Michigan South Shore Beach was placed on the impaired waters list for Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli in 2004. The 2018 assessments showed continued Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli; new E. coli sample data clearly exceeded the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. Based on the most updated information, no change in the existing impaired waters listing was needed.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

The Lake Michigan Fischer Park Beaches were placed on the impaired waters list for Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli in 2016. The 2018 assessments showed continued Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli; new E. coli sample data clearly exceeded the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. Based on the most updated information, no change in the existing impaired waters listing was needed.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

The Lake Michigan Red Arrow Park Beach was placed on the impaired waters list for Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli in 1998. The 2018 assessments showed continued Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli; new E. coli sample data clearly exceeded the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. Based on the most updated information, no change in the existing impaired waters listing was needed.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

The Lake Michigan YMCA Beach was placed on the impaired waters list for Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli in 2004. The 2018 assessments showed continued Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli; new E. coli sample data clearly exceeded the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. Based on the most updated information, no change in the existing impaired waters listing was needed.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

Lake Michigan Grant Park Beach was placed on the impaired waters list for Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli in 2006. The 2018 assessments showed continued Recreational Restrictions due to E. coli; new E. coli sample data clearly exceeded the 2018 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use. Based on the most updated information, no change in the existing impaired waters listing was needed.

Date 2017

Author Ashley Beranek

Condition

Wisconsin has over 84,000 miles of streams, 15,000 lakes and milllions of acres of wetlands. Assessing the condition of this vast amount of water is challenging. The state's water monitoring program uses a media-based, cross-program approach to analyze water condition. An updated monitoring strategy (2015-2020) is now available.

Recommendations

Monitor AOC Beneficial Use Impairments

Monitoring Aesthetics

Information and Education

In the Lake Superior, Green Bay and Milwaukee River basins, teams of teachers, students, resource personnel and citizens will engage in research, restoration and outreach, and adapt Earth Partnership curricula to extend the schoolyard to the shores of the Great Lakes and their watersheds. This pilot will combine with other Great Lakes education programs to create a comprehensive, inquiry and restoration-based approach, integrated with sustainability, biodiversity, pollution prevention, environmental literacy and service learning. The Second Phase will include basins in IL, IN, MI, OH and NY.

Control Invasive Species

Winegar Pond is a 120-acre Lake Michigan coastal wetland located near the mouth of the Peshtigo River in the Green Bay of Wisconsin. We intend to install two fish passage structures that will prevent seasonal migration by carp but allow adult native gamefish to reproduce and annually recruit juvenile gamefish with access to the Peshtigo River and Green Bay. In addition to the fish passage structures, we will chemically treat and manage 100 acres of existing stands of phragmites directly adjacent to Winegar Pond.

Use high resolution multi-spectral aerial mapping technology to remotely identify the major factors contributing to beach pollution & deteriorated water quality in the nearshore areas of Lake Michigan that are included within the boundaries of Bay-Lake RPC.

Runoff Grant

All livestock barnyards within 300 ft. of streams that flow to Lake Michigan, in Manitowoc Co., with significant pollution ratings will be corrected.

Habitat Restoration - Upland

This project will restore 1390 acres of globally imperiled barrens habitat (G1, G2) in the Fox River watershed of the Lake Michigan Basin

Aquatic Plants - Management Project

Remove Phragmites & Lyme grass from 118 miles and 3600 acres of shoreline

Aquatic Invasives Research

Through prevention, education, and monitoring we will create a tight barrier at WI Great Lakes that limit invasive species movements into and out of the GL and inland lakes.

Stormwater Planning, Implementation

The Village is proposing to repave an 18 wide strip of pavement (the drive aisle) with a pervious strip that will reduce the volume of runoff leaving the parking lot. The Village would also make improvements to divert a greater portion of the runoff from the parking lot to the existing biofilter.

Project Deliverable

This project would expand existing (Racine and/or Milwaukee Counties) and establish new rapid test method labs in the Lake Superior region (serving Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, and Iron Counties), Door County (Serving Brown, Door, and Kewaunee counties), and Manitowoc (serving Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties). This project would provide all infrastructure required including all equipment and training needed to start using the qPCR rapid test methods. By leveraging current testing facilities (Ashland, Sturgeon Bay, Manitowoc, Racine, and Milwaukee) and using this capital investment all of Wisconsin's coastal waters would be able to get beach testing results within 4 hours.

Stormwater Planning, Implementation

We propose to test innovative environmental approaches to treating stormwater, using varied hydroperiods and native plants (at multiple diversity levels) to address not just suspended solids (as in conventional stormwater ponds) but also nitrogen and dissolved phosphorus, thus achieving beneficial outcomes for streams, wetlands and nearshore waters of Great Lakes watersheds.

Monitor Water Quality or Sediment

Will not delist. E. coli data highly variable. Would like another year of data before delisting.
AU: 3992139; Station ID: 10012574

Restore Wetlands

Restore Wetlands

Monitor Targeted Area

Approximately 24 samples are collected on a flow weighted basis from 5 major tributaries. Rivers include the Menominee, the Fox, the Manitowoc, the Sheboygan and the Milwaukee.

Monitor Targeted Area

Increase water quality inventory, monitoring and biological assessment of the Port Washington Harbor, including thermal and nutrient monitoring.

Improve Public Access

We will continue to work with the City of Port Washington to maintain and enhance fishing opportunities in the Port Washington Harbor.

Management Goals

Wisconsin's Water Quality Standards provide qualitative and quantitative goals for waters that are protective of Fishable, Swimmable conditions [Learn more]. Waters that do not meet water quality standards are considered impaired and restoration actions are planned and carried out until the water is once again fishable and swimmable

Management goals can include creation or implementation of a Total Maximum Daily Load analysis, a Nine Key Element Plan, or other restoration work, education and outreach and more. If specific recommendations exist for this water, they will be displayed below online.

Monitoring

Monitoring the condition of a river, stream, or lake includes gathering physical, chemical, biological, and habitat data. Comprehensive studies often gather all these parameters in great detail, while lighter assessment events will involve sampling physical, chemical and biological data such as macroinvertebrates. Aquatic macroinvertebrates and fish communities integrate watershed or catchment condition, providing great insight into overall ecosystem health. Chemical and habitat parameters tell researchers more about human induced problems including contaminated runoff, point source dischargers, or habitat issues that foster or limit the potential of aquatic communities to thrive in a given area. Wisconsin's Water Monitoring Strategy was recenty updated.

Watershed Characteristics

Lake Michigan is located in the Upper Door County watershed which is 287.02 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily agricultural (41%), wetland (24%) and a mix of forest (22%) and other uses (12%). This watershed has 102.85 stream miles, 254,855.32 lake acres and 24,541.39 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked High for runoff impacts on streams, Not Ranked for runoff impacts on lakes and High for runoff impacts on groundwater and therefore has an overall rank of High. This value can be used in ranking the watershed or individual waterbodies for grant funding under state and county programs.However, all waters are affected by diffuse pollutant sources regardless of initial water quality. Applications for specific runoff projects under state or county grant programs may be pursued. For more information, go to surface water program grants.

Natural Community

Rock Island State Park Beach, Lake Michigan's natural community is not yet identified under the state’s Natural Community Determinations.

Natural communities (stream and lake natural communities) represent model resultsand DNR staff valiation processes that confirm or update predicted conditions based on flow and temperature modeling from historic and current landscape features and related variables. Predicated flow and temperatures for waters are associated predicated fish assemblages (communities). Biologists evaluate the model results against current survey data to determine if the modeled results are corect and whether biological indicators show water quaity degradation. This analysis is a core component of the state's resource management framework. Wisconsin's Riverine Natural Communities.